Koutouvides doesn't see enough defensive snaps to provide help as an IDP, though he is a special-teams ace.

2012

Koutouvides, who had 14 tackles in eight games with the Patriots in 2011, will try to reprise his linebacker depth/special teams role with New England in 2012.

2011

Slots in as a depth linebacker/special teamer with the Patriots.

2010

Koutouvides is a solid special teams player and backup LB who reprise that role in 2010 with the Buccaneers.

2008

Koutouvides will be the starting middle linebacker, a position that produced 141 tackles from last year's middle linebacker D.J. Williams, who is moving over to the weak side.

2007

Koutouvides is the underdog guy you like to root for. But don't expect much in the way of playing time beyond special teams.

2006

Koutouvides' role has pretty much been reduced to an occassional relief appearance as the Seahawks have upgraded their linebacking corps significantly since he joined the team a few years back.

2005

Koutouvides will compete with Lofa Tatupu for the starting middle linebacker assignment. While Koutouvides is bigger than Tatupu, he lacks Tatupu's speed. Plus, the Seahawks reached to take Tatupu in the second round of the 2005 draft, meaning they really like the playmaker out of USC. Koutouvides likely will find himself in a backup role.

2004

The rookie Koutouvides will compete with Soloman Bates and Orlando Huff for the starting inside linebacker spot. The job will be decided in camp, so this is a battle to watch. If Koutouvides wins, he could prove an effective IDP as he'll get plenty of opportunities at middle linebacker.